WARNING: Scammers use NHP and names of charitable groups to seek donations |

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Scammers are preying on the kind hearts of Nevada residents, and they're using the Nevada Highway Patrol to do it.

NHP said it had received several complaints from citizens who said they were being solicited for donations on behalf of various police charitable organizations.

NHP said the scam artists use a local phone number to conduct the con, and according to some callers, they were solicited from someone posing as a representative of the American Association of State Troopers, along with the Officer Down Charities for the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Nevada Highway Patrol itself.

When a person refuses to donate, NHP said witnesses told them the scammer would threaten unfair treatment from Troopers in the future.

"We want the community to be aware of this fraudulent activity and be sure to protect their personal information," NHP said.

The American Association of State Troopers is a verified association that is headquartered out of Florida. NHP said the association does not call to solicit donations. Additionally, the Nevada Highway Patrol does not operate any charitable organizations at this time.

The Nevada Division of Investigations is investigating the fraudulent activity. If anyone has been solicited for
donations or have donated funds please contact our investigators at 702-432-5225.

Citizens are reminded if they want to donate money to a verified law enforcement charity they can do so through the Injured Police Officers Fund (IPOF). However, NHP said you should be aware that the Injured Police Officers Fund does not solicit donations over the phone.